My book club met on Friday night to chat about Karen Ball’s What Lies Within, the concluding story of her Family Honor Series.

At a comfortable 9.30pm for us Aussies, we called Karen at the unpleasant hour of 4.30am to talk with her about her book, editing, the publishing industry and her life! What a joy and privilege it was 🙂 We decided she must be a little crazy, given she was so willing to get up at that hour to talk to us!

Karen is a compassionate and funny lady, whose love for her family, her passion for God and love of literature and the people who write it, is so evident in every word she spoke. She shared with us about the growth of Christian Fiction, the role of an editor, the joy of working with Francine Rivers, her faith journey and an insight into authors (including one Tamera Alexander – yes, I will take cash to keep my mouth shut, Tammy – LOL!!). Authors also can buy great hostess gifts – just ask Brandilyn Collins!

Karen has blogged about our chat too ~ what a sweetheart! Check it out here 🙂

Her Day Job….

Karen is acquiring some amazing books in her role at B&H. Be sure to check out these books:~

Coming Unglued by Rebeca Seitz (available now)

Shadow of Colossus by T L Higley (available now)

Forsaken by James David Jordan (available October, 2008)

Shade by John B Olson (available October, 2008)

Wind Dancer by Jamie Carie (available January, 2009)

Her Novels….

The only downside to Karen’s day job is that we won’t see a book from Karen herself until 2010 – sigh! I’m sure it will be worth the wait. All her books have a place on my bookshelves and have been read multiple times!

In the meantime do yourself a favour and read any or all of her amazing stories.


The Breaking Point

Gabe and Renee Roman are on the edge — relationally and spiritually. Both consider themselves followers of Christ. But after years of struggling in their marriage, their greatest test comes in the most unexpected of forms: a blizzard in the Oregon mountains.

Their truck hurtles over the side of a mountain, and each encounters the realities of suffering, sacrifice, and service in Christ’s name. It isn’t until they surrender their last defenses that their surface understandings are torn away and all that’s left is truth: only through obedience to God’s call can they find true joy.

Shattered Justice ~ Family Honor #1

There’s no way sheriff’s deputy Dan Justice could have prepared for this. He spent a lifetime ensuring his actions and faith live up to the meaning of his name—Avidan: “God is just.” Then injustice invades his world, ripping away what matters most, forever robbing him of the life he once knew. Can his sisters and small-town community—especially one woman who loves Dan—help him overcome the horrors he’s facing? Or will bitterness and anger shatter him forever? What happens when justice fails the lawman?

Sanctuary, Oregon.

A town where the local diner owner makes you drink your milk—no matter how old you are. Where juvenile delinquency means blowing up outhouses. Where folks not only know their neighbors, but care about them. For widowed sheriff’s deputy Dan Justice, it’s a place where he and his kids can heal and grow.

Shelby Wilson loves Sanctuary and her work with troubled teens. Like Jayce Dalton. Sure, he’s as troubled as they come, but Shelby knows Dan is exactly what Jayce needs. She just didn’t expect that Dan might be what she’s always needed, too. But sleepy little Sanctuary has a dark side, steeped in pain and secrets. Secrets that could destroy everything Dan holds dear. Secrets that will one day have Dan groping through the fog toward a lifeless body—and faith-shattering grief.

Can Dan find sanctuary in the light of God’s justice?

Kaleidoscope Eyes ~ Family Honor #2

Annie Justice sees things differently. Her unconventional condition, synesthesia, helped make her one of the most sought-after stained-glass artists in the country. And teamed with her German shepherd, she’s just as successful in her work with the K-9 Search and Rescue Team, finding people seemingly hidden from others’ eyes. But no one knows her expertise for hiding the childhood insecurities that plague her—until Jed Curry comes along. Then the search for a missing child goes awry, and Jed must reveal his true identity. He’s prepared for Annie’s anger, but not the hurt. And neither of them is prepared for the real trial ahead—something far more sinister and dangerous than their search.

Can Jed and Annie overcome their unknown enemy—and the insecurities and secrets keeping them apart—before it’s too late?

Someone wants Annie to fail… either that, or he wants her dead.

Annie Justice has always been different, thanks to a rare condition allowing her to see things others do not. It’s a blessing and a curse. The blessing? Annie and her dog, Kodi, have become one of the most effective search-and-rescue teams ever. The curse? It’s kept her from the only thing she wants: to fit in. But she doesn’t. Not anywhere.

Jed Curry, a producer of hit reality TV shows, likes that Annie’s different. Different sells. Which is why he wants her on Everyday Heroes. But Annie has no interest in the show. Or the man. Then threatening e-mails kick off events that send Annie and Kodi—and the irritating Jed Curry—straight into the path of danger. Joined in a race against time and a cunning adversary, Annie and Jed struggle to work together. Because if they don’t, it could cost them—and a lost little girl in the Oregon wilderness—everything.

What Lies Within ~ Family Honor #3

Nothing’s going to stop Kyla… until the ground crumbles beneath her feet.

Kyla Justice has arrived. Her company, Justice Construction, is one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful companies in the Pacific Northwest. And yet, something is missing. Not until she’s called on to build a center for inner-city kids does she realize what it is: her sense of purpose. Now nothing can stop her, not the low budget, not supply problems, not gang opposition, not her boyfriend’s suggestion that she sell her business and marry him–and most especially not that disagreeable Rafael Murphy.

Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars–and the nightmares–to prove it. Though he can’t fight overseas any longer, he’s found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting that one of these days, God will reveal to him why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived. Kyla and Rafe both discover that determination alone won’t carry them through danger and challenges. When gang violence threatens their very foundations, there’s only one way to survive: rely on each other, be real–and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything…

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of What Lies Within

In depth interview with Karen (see photos of who she imagines her characters to look like)

Visit Karen’s website and blog

Buy Karen’s books at Amazon or Koorong